Te Puke Drivers Face Delays as Major Roadworks and Upgrades Begin
TE PUKE, Bay of Plenty – Te Puke motorists should prepare for potential disruptions and longer travel times over the coming weeks as the Western Bay of Plenty District Council kicks off a series of significant road, water, and town centre improvement projects. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and exercise caution in affected areas.
The works encompass essential upgrades to underground services and roads, along with a beautification project for the town centre. An unplanned watermain replacement, following a recent leak, adds to the complexity.
Calum McLean, the Council’s Director Transportation, acknowledges the potential inconvenience but emphasizes these projects are a crucial investment in Te Puke’s future.
“Not all of the work was scheduled – the watermain leak caught us by surprise – but we’re doing our best to coordinate everything and keep disruption to a minimum,” says McLean. “We understand it can be frustrating to have multiple roadworks happening at once, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving while this work is underway.”
Key Projects to Be Aware Of:
Watermain Replacement: Jellicoe Street/Cameron Road An urgent watermain replacement is underway at the intersection of Jellicoe Street and Cameron Road due to a discovered leak. Work began on Jellicoe Street this week, with the focus shifting to Cameron Road from Monday, June 23, to Friday, June 27. Expect single-lane traffic on Cameron Road from June 23, with detours via Raymond Avenue and Queen Street.
Boucher Avenue Upgrades (Long-Term Project) A major, nine-month project is set to begin on Monday, June 23, 2025, on Boucher Avenue and surrounding streets. This comprehensive work will upgrade the road surface, stormwater system, and drinking water pipes. Multiple contractors will work in stages across Boucher Avenue, Cameron Road, Clydesburn Avenue, Glen Terrace, Randell Place, No.2 Road, and Dudley Vercoe Drive. Drivers can anticipate:
- Stop/go traffic controls
- One-way sections of road
- Temporary changes to property access
- Short delays and detours
- Some daytime noise and vibrations from machinery This multi-faceted approach is designed to be more cost-efficient and minimize future disruptions. For more information and updates, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/boucher-ave
Te Puke Heritage Plaza Upgrade From the week of June 23, work will also commence on enhancing the Te Puke Heritage Plaza, located outside Te Puke Jewellers and My Pharmacy on Jellicoe Street. This project will transform the area into a vibrant green space with nikau palms, garden beds, lighting, and seating, aiming to create a more inviting town centre. Work will primarily occur Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm, with potential Saturday work (7 am to 1 pm). The site and a limited number of adjacent car parks will be temporarily closed. For updates, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/te-puke-heritage-plaza
Driver Advisory:
The Council strongly advises motorists to:
- Plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
- Follow all signage and temporary traffic management instructions.
- Drive with care and be aware of construction workers.
- Stay informed by checking the Council’s Your Place Tō wāhi website, social media channels, and the Antenno app for the latest updates and detour information.
“These projects are all about making Te Puke safer and more enjoyable for everyone. We know it’s a busy time on the roads, so please take care and keep an eye out for updates as the work progresses,” McLean adds.
For reporting any roading issues or providing feedback, residents can use the Antenno app.
